ITAN vs. QVAL

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

ITAN (Sparkline Intangible Value ETF) and QVAL (Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ITAN is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Sparkline Capital, while QVAL is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, ITAN returned 23.85%/yr vs 21.75%/yr for QVAL. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ITAN charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for QVAL.

Performance

ITAN vs. QVAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sparkline Intangible Value ETF (ITAN) and Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ITAN achieves a 15.94% return, which is significantly higher than QVAL's 14.95% return.

ITAN

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: 8.25%
• YTD: 15.94%
• 6M: 18.39%
• 1Y: 40.91%
• 3Y*: 23.85%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QVAL

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 3.06%
• YTD: 14.95%
• 6M: 16.83%
• 1Y: 31.09%
• 3Y*: 21.75%
• 5Y*: 12.24%
• 10Y*: 11.66%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ITAN vs. QVAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ITAN Sparkline Intangible Value ETF	15.94%	20.46%	17.76%	34.58%	-24.33%	6.97%
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	14.95%	10.98%	12.21%	28.40%	-11.80%	9.76%

Correlation

The correlation between ITAN and QVAL is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 30, 2021	0.78

The correlation between ITAN and QVAL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

ITAN vs. QVAL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ITAN	QVAL
Technology	30.5%	16.7%
Communication Services	16.4%	3.8%
Healthcare	14.8%	11.1%
Industrials	13.8%	15.0%
Consumer Cyclical	13.6%	32.4%
Financial Services	4.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	7.9%
Basic Materials	1.6%	7.6%
Energy	0.9%	5.5%
Real Estate	0.4%	2.0%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ITAN vs. QVAL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ITAN

ITAN Risk / Return Rank: 83
ITAN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
ITAN Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
ITAN Omega Ratio Rank: 80
ITAN Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
ITAN Martin Ratio Rank: 83

QVAL

QVAL Risk / Return Rank: 72
QVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
QVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
QVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 60
QVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
QVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 75

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ITAN vs. QVAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sparkline Intangible Value ETF (ITAN) and Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	ITAN	QVAL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.87	2.16	+0.71
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.88	3.34	+0.54
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.37	+0.12
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.50	5.09	-0.59
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	17.43	14.45	+2.98
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ITAN vs. QVAL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ITAN Sharpe Ratio is 2.87, which is higher than the QVAL Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ITAN and QVAL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ITAN	QVAL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.87	2.16	+0.71
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.51	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.66	0.49	+0.17

Drawdowns

ITAN vs. QVAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ITAN drawdown since its inception was -30.41%, smaller than the maximum QVAL drawdown of -51.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ITAN and QVAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	ITAN	QVAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.41%	-51.49%	+21.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.03%	-6.04%	-2.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.47%	-21.41%	+0.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.17%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-51.49%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.42%	-0.55%	+0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.62%	-7.80%	+0.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.33%	2.13%	+0.20%

Volatility

ITAN vs. QVAL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Sparkline Intangible Value ETF (ITAN) is 3.78%, while Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL) has a volatility of 4.47%. This indicates that ITAN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QVAL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ITAN	QVAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.78%	4.47%	-0.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.37%	10.05%	+0.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.30%	14.44%	-0.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.05%	21.63%	-2.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.05%	22.79%	-3.74%

ITAN vs. QVAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

ITAN has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than QVAL's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

ITAN vs. QVAL - Dividend Comparison

ITAN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.99%, less than QVAL's 1.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
ITAN Sparkline Intangible Value ETF	0.99%	0.94%	1.14%	1.01%	0.57%	0.45%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	1.46%	1.44%	1.72%	1.76%	2.00%	1.23%	1.86%	1.99%	1.64%	1.08%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ITAN and QVAL in my portfolio?

ITAN and QVAL have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ITAN or QVAL?

QVAL has higher volatility (4.47%) compared to ITAN (3.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ITAN dropped -30.41% vs QVAL's -51.49%.

Which ETF is better, ITAN or QVAL?

On 3-year performance, ITAN leads with 23.85% vs 21.75% for QVAL. On fees, QVAL is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, ITAN has been the lower-risk option at 3.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ITAN or QVAL?

Over the 3-year period, ITAN has performed better with a 23.85% return vs 21.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ITAN or QVAL?

QVAL is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for ITAN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ITAN or QVAL?

QVAL has the higher dividend yield at 1.46%, compared with 0.99% for ITAN.

What is the main difference between ITAN and QVAL?

ITAN is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while QVAL is Mid Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: Sparkline Capital and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for ITAN and 0.28% for QVAL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ITAN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.87 vs 2.16), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.